Day 1: Arrival Dinner (D)
Your journey begins in Auckland. Tonight is about meeting your fellow explorers and setting the stage for the discovery ahead.
We’ll gather for a welcome dinner to toast the start of our 12-day adventure.
Day 2: From the Shire to the Forest of Giants (B, L)
After breakfast, we leave the city behind for the rolling green hills of the Waikato.
Today, fantasy becomes reality as we visit a world-famous movie set for a guided tour, followed by lunch in the heart of the village.
We then journey to the geothermal heart of the North Island to reach Rotorua.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax or enjoy a gentle walk along the lakefront.
\As twilight falls, we head into a forest of ancient giants for the Redwoods Night walk. Suspended high above the forest floor on a network of eco-bridges, you’ll wander through the illuminated canopy of 120-year-old Redwood trees—an ethereal experience where nature meets artistry.
Day 3: Earth’s Raw Power & Restorative Waters (B)
After breakfast, we visit a premier geothermal park to witness the dramatic display of geysers and bubbling mud—a raw look at the earth’s power.
Upon returning to Rotorua, the afternoon is yours. Pack your bathing suit—FWV is treating you to a relaxing afternoon at the Polynesian Spa. You can soak in the acidic and alkaline mineral pools overlooking the tranquil waters of the lake.
The evening is at your leisure; you’ll find "Eat Streat" right outside your hotel, a vibrant dining precinct perfect for a local bite.
Day 4: Cascades, Vineyards & Art Deco (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we begin our journey toward the elegant Hawke’s Bay coast.
En route, we’ll make a stop to witness the sheer power of Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is forced through a narrow chasm into a brilliant blue pool.
After a local stop for lunch along the way, we arrive in Napier and check into our hotel by the sea.
This city is world-renowned for its stunning 1930s Art Deco architecture, and a local expert will walk us through the stories behind these historic facades.
For dinner, we ascend to a prestigious vineyard estate for a meal that defines "farm-to-table" elegance with panoramic views of the valley.
Day 5: The Bounty of the Bay (B, L)
After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring the legendary flavors of the region.
Known for both its world-class Syrah and its elegant, barrel-fermented Chardonnays, Hawke's Bay offers something for every palate. We’ll visit a hand-picked selection of boutique wineries, including a seated lunch at one of the region's premier estate restaurants.
Upon return to the hotel, the evening is at your leisure. Your hotel is in a charming neighborhood situated right next to a picturesque marina.
Day 6: Flight to the Golden Mile (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we take a morning flight from Napier to Blenheim, the heart of the Marlborough region.
We head straight to the famous "Golden Mile" for lunch at a celebrated family-run estate.
This afternoon is all about discovery, from the vibrant, aromatic Sauvignon Blancs to the sophisticated "Méthode Traditionnelle" sparkling wines.
Tonight, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate our first night in the South Island.
Day 7: The Coastal Ribbon & Southern Soul (B, L)
After breakfast, we visit a few boutique estates—a great chance to sample the region's elegant Rieslings and Pinot Gris—followed by lunch together.
Afterward, we begin a spectacular scenic drive along the coastal road toward Christchurch. This road traces the rugged coastline where mountains meet the Pacific; we will make frequent stops to take photos of the breathtaking vistas. You'll see endless green hills with thousands of sheep and cows grazing on the lush pastures.
We’ll pause to view local sea lions and wildlife before arriving in Christchurch to check in for an evening at leisure.
Day 8: Christchurch & The Fusion Kitchen (B, D)
After breakfast and a walking orientation of the city, the next few hours are yours to explore this vibrant city and the bustling Riverside Market at your own pace.
In the afternoon, we will gather for a hands-on cooking class themed around Asian Fusion. Together, we'll learn the secrets of balancing bold, Pacific-inspired flavors before enjoying the feast we’ve created for dinner.
Day 9: Into the Southern Alps & Walter Peak (B, D)
After breakfast, we fly to Queenstown, the breathtaking alpine heart of the South. Framed by the jagged peaks of the Remarkable and the crystal waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a destination like no other.
After checking in, enjoy free time to wander this charming lakeside city—explore the boutique galleries, walk the manicured botanical gardens, or simply find a spot on the wharf to soak in the mountain air.
In the evening, we board the historic 1912 TSS Earnslaw. Come hungry tonight—we are heading across the water to a grand gourmet BBQ dinner at a historic lakeside homestead. The variety is immense, featuring a massive spread of locally sourced meats, seafood, and seasonal salads, all prepared before your eyes in a setting of pure high-country elegance.
Day 10: The Majesty of the Fjord & The Pinot Trail (B, L)
Prepare for a day that defines the spirit of New Zealand.
We head to the airport for a "fly-and-cruise" adventure into the heart of Milford Sound From the air, the scale of the Southern Alps is staggering—you will soar over jagged, snow-capped cathedrals of rock and hidden glacial lakes that are inaccessible by any road.
Upon landing, we board our vessel to navigate the deep, dark waters of the fjord.
This is a landscape of impossible scale, where sheer rock faces rise a kilometer straight out of the sea. As the boat navigates close to the cliffside, you'll witness the power of thundering waterfalls like Stirling Falls as they plummet directly from the ancient, rainforest-clad heights into the dark waters below.
This is nature at its most raw and magnificent—a place so spectacular it was once described as the "eighth wonder of the world."
After our scenic flight back, we head to a boutique winery in Central Otago.
Whether you prefer a world-class, earthy Pinot Noir or a crisp, aromatic white, these wines are the perfect accompaniment to the afternoon’s views.
Upon our return to the hotel, the evening is yours to explore the restaurants and charm of the Queenstown waterfront at your own pace.
Day 11: Gold Rush Heritage & Landscapes of Extremes (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we step back in time in the historic mining village of Arrowtown, exploring the heritage of the gold rush. After a stunning lunch at a premier estate, we head into the "landscape of extremes" in Bannockburn for a final toast to the South in a modern, architectural tasting room.
Tonight, we dine at a spectacular new destination—a transformed historic farmstead that has been reimagined as a sophisticated culinary hub. You'll enjoy a meal that celebrates local ingredients in a setting that seamlessly blends heritage architecture with modern design.
Day 12: The Full Circle (B)
Your final morning in this charming lakeside town is yours to savor.
Enjoy a slow coffee by the water, take one last stroll along the shore to snap photos of the peaks, or pick up a few treasures in the local boutiques.
As we prepare to leave the South Island behind, we take our final flight back to Auckland to spend the night.
Reflect on the incredible journey you've completed—a seamless loop that took you from the emerald, rolling hills of the North to the dramatic, rugged cathedrals of the South.
Enjoy your final night in the city as you prepare for your journey home, carrying the flavors and stories of Aotearoa with you.
Day 13: Independent Departures (B)
Enjoy a final breakfast at our Auckland hotel before your journey concludes.
Today is set aside for independent departures as you head to the airport for your flight home, carrying the spirit and flavors of New Zealand with you.
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